Celebrated poet Charles Bernstein reads from his works in the Ryan Writers Series' first event of the year

Bernstein's presentation takes place at 7:30 p.m. in the Kennedy Auditorium in the Conaton Learning Commons | January 24, 2012

Renowned poet and author Charles Bernstein is is giving a poetry reading on Wednesday, Feb. 1, in Kennedy Auditorium in the Conaton Learning Center at 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Bernstein is the author of more than 40 books ranging from large-scale collections of poetry and essays to libretti and collaborations, most recently “All the Whiskey in Heaven: Selected Poems” and “Attack of the Difficult Poems: Essays and Inventions." He is co-editor of L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E magazine, now available as an anthologized work, “The L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E Book.”

Bernstein is the Donald T. Regan Professor of English and Comparative Literature at the University of Pennsylvania, where he also is co-editor and co-founder of the PennSound center for programs in contemporary writing. He is also editor and co-founder of the Electronic Poetry Center at the State University of New York-Buffalo.

Bernstein is a popular guest at poetry readings because of a deep sense of humor that infuses his lively presentations. According to the Poetry Foundation, his work "explores the wide-ranging uses of language within diverse social contexts. His poetry combines the language of politics, popular culture, advertising, literary jargon, corporate-speak, and myriad others to show the ways in which language and culture are mutually constructive and interdependent...Bernstein’s writing is serious, engaging, and critical, while also being playful, irreverent and deeply humorous."

The Ryan Writers Series, presented by Xavier's Department of English, brings published poets and short fiction writers to campus every year. Also appearing in the series this spring are Henry Weinfield on Thursday, March 22, at 7:30 p.m. and Richard Berengarten on Tuesday, April 3, at 7:30 p.m. Locations of these appearances will be announced at a later date.

Learn more about Charles Bernstein at the Electronic Poetry Center's website. To learn more about the Ryan Writers Series, please contact Professor Norman Finkelstein at 513-745-2041 or finkel@xavier.edu.